It’s flu season again. Rather than getting caught up in mass hysteria, arm yourself against viral attack with practical ways to boost your immune system.

Prevention

Eat a rainbow of foods. When your immune system detects an enemy, it must rapidly draw vitamins and minerals from the blood to make white blood cell ninja fighters. If those vitamins aren’t there, you are vulnerable to a long, drawn-out battle. Make sure you are eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. If your are doing this, you can be sure you are getting tons of immune boosting nutrients like vitamin A, E, C, B-6 and zinc. A healthy immune system is your best defense against infection.

You’re gonna need a breath mint – Garlic is a fantastic way to boost the immune system. It is a super anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antibiotic food. Plus it makes food taste and smell delicious.

Getting enough sleep is crucial in optimizing immune response. So is decreasing stress. There it is again. Just get more sleep and don’t sweat the small stuff. Look for an upcoming blog on decreasing stress and increasing joy.

Getting adequate exercise has also been linked to lower incidence of infection. Just 20 minutes a day of brisk exercise can make a huge difference.

Avoid refined grains, sugary and starchy foods. Sugar suppresses the immune system. It seems that flu season, besides falling in the winter months, also occurs in the months when many of us are indulging in sweet treats a little more often.

Adequate levels of Vitamin D are essential to an immune system’s ability to quickly and effectively fight off infection. It’s also important for preventing osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, depression, and dementia. Harvard Medical School asserts that as many as one third of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced in our bodies using sunlight that comes in contact with our largest organ: our skin. We can also get vitamin D through diet. Salmon is a good source, most milk is fortified with vitamin D and a good vitamin D3 supplement is great too (5,000 IU per day for adults). My favorite dietary source with a slew of other healthy benefits is fermented cod liver oil. The flu usually runs rampant in the winter months when direct sunlight is diminished in many areas of the world and people are bundled up and keeping indoors. This is why flu cases go down the farther south you track and disappear in summer months. Increasing your sun exposure (sans sunscreen) by 10 minutes a day is adequate for most people. If you live north of San Francisco, don’t bother doing this between November and March since the UV rays aren’t direct enough to make vitamin D. I would suggest a blood test to discover if you are deficient and supplementing through diet.

Getting Over the Flu Fast

So what if you get the flu? Well first you should make sure it is in fact influenza. Here’s Dr. Darla’s blog on how to correctly identify the symptoms of influenza. So if you have the flu, how can you get recover as quickly and as painless as possible?

Cut the sweets. Eating sugar will suppress your immune system from fighting off nasty bugs. I know it’s comforting to eat, but sweets will only make it worse.

I’m going to suggest vitamin D again. Taking several thousand IU per day of a good D3 supplement can shorten the duration of infection. It’s pretty hard to overdose on D, and when I’m sick I take a medicinal dose of about 20,000 IU per day. Also, vitamin C in large amounts can greatly speed up your recovery. It’s pretty much impossible to overdose on C, so take at least 5,000 mg per day or more. Zinc prevents a virus from replicating.

When I feel the “ick”, I like to take a detox bath. It really lessens my symptoms and shortens the duration of my illness. Here’s a link to the recipe. Detox Bath

If you are pregnant, make sure to consult your physician before taking a detox bath.

Get lots of sleep. Your workplace will get the job done without you. They don’t need you spreading around the flu either. Stay home and sleep, sleep, sleep.

Cinnamon is anti-viral and anti-bacterial too. Mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon with one teaspoon of honey and mix it into an herbal tea.

Since the flu is usually accompanied by fever, it will often lead to dehydration. Make sure you stay hydrated with lots of broth or chicken soup. Broth isn’t just comforting flu food, it has lots of immune boosting nutrients. Herbal teas and hot lemon water help too. Nettle leaf tea has a huge amount of vitamins and minerals and detoxifies the body. Other herbs that help fight flu are elderberry, yarrow, ginger, chamomile, and peppermint. Consult your local herbalist for the correct ways to use these herbs. Fever is the body’s natural defense for killing a virus, so using drugs to stop a fever can actually prolong an illness. To keep a fever out of the dangerous zone, without killing it completely, I use peppermint essential oil on the bottom of my feet. Make sure you do plenty of research into the safe use of essential oils before trying this one.

Whatever natural remedy or prevention method you choose, make sure it will not interfere with any medications you are taking and try them one at a time. Stay healthy and disease free this season. And most importantly, your thoughts are more effective than any vaccine or remedy. If you think you’re immune to the flu with absolute, fearless certainty, I’m willing to bet it’ll pass you by.

Important Notes: I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be a doctor. I cannot treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any illness. If you have concerns about any illness, talk to your doctor. Do you own research on natural remedies to ensure that you think they are safe.

Merianne Drew is a holistic health coach specializing in integrative and energetic nutrition. She coaches individuals to better health by teaching practical ways to incorporate healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Find out if health coaching is a good fit for you by scheduling a health strategy session. meriannedrew@gmail.com

The typical North American diet is not working, as seen by the skyrocketing levels of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. New research demonstrates that these conditions are mostly preventable, and even reversible, by a change of lifestyle. This book not only explains the science, but also has all of the resources, tools, and recipes you will need to make a change.

Discover 99 Superfoods and Green Smoothie Recipes That Will Keep You Healthy, Beautiful, and Young

June 25, 2012

Kristin Schiffer, like so many celebrities, has transformed her life and body through the power of superfoods and daily green smoothies. It wasn’t that long ago that Schiffer was struggling – struggling to keep her weight in check, struggling to find enough energy to get through the day, and struggling with all of the tell-tale signs of aging. Taking a cue from the world’s most glamorous celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Schiffer began to infuse her daily diet with superfoods and green juices. Her results were too incredible to believe. Now a healthy, youthful, energetic, and beautiful 40-something, Schiffer reveals her 99 superfood secrets and favorite green smoothie recipes in her hot new book, Green Smoothie Recipes: 99 Fountain of Youth Superfood Secrets.

Superfoods are not a trend. In fact, superfoods have been used to keep people healthy and youthful all around the world for centuries. It wasn’t until recently, however, that science was able to explain what people groups have known instinctively for hundreds of years – certain foods, when consumed in their raw, natural state, have the ability to heal illnesses, prevent diseases, promote overall health, aid the body’s natural functions, and enhance skin, hair, muscle, and general appearance.

With her personal experience backed by centuries of tradition and new medical research, we here at Little Pearl are excited to offer a new book that has the ability to dramatically change lives. There are no longer any excuses for people to feel lethargic, weighed down by aches and pains, or unhappy about their health and appearance. The 99 superfoods she discusses have the potential to unlock the fountain of youth we have all been searching for. And with dozens of her favorite green smoothie recipes, you will be ready to jumpstart a new life and a new you today!

JUICE YOUR BELLY FAT AWAY

When my clients first come to me they want to transform their lives in many ways. They want to transform their mindset, their health and their overall outlook on life. One of the first things I suggest is going on theAlpha Reset. The Alpha Reset is a program that helps cleanse and detox your body. Once you go through the Alpha Reset, you start reprogramming the way you think about food and what you eat.

Most people think if they eat grains and brown rice then they are on the road to weight loss. Well, that’s not entirely true. You need to eat foods high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to get rid of that belly fat.

In this post I am going to share with you some of the best foods to eat to decrease your belly fat. Also before you do anything consider going on a juice program like the Alpha Reset. Get those toxins out of your body and reset your health.

Belly fat is dangerous and it takes more than just exercising to reduce that fat around your belly. You need to eat food high in nutrients.

1. Apples

Apples contain pectin, a water soluble fiber and are packed with antioxidants. Juicing apples or eating them raw can decrease the amount of visceral fat (fat around your stomach and organs). The fiber from the apple also keeps you feeling full.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C, A and B and also essential vitamins and minerals. Most people don’t want to eat tomatoes because they think that since it’s a fruit that it’s loaded with sugar. Tomatoes score a 15 on the glycemic index so it won’t spike your blood sugar. Cooking tomatoes is actually really beneficial. When tomatoes are heated they actually have a lycopene content and helps with absorption of nutrients.

3. Celery

Celery is great. It’s also a great base to any juice recipe. It has anti-cancer properties, aides in digestion, acts as a diuretic, and is anti-inflammatory. Celery is rich in sodium and potassium, which is a great after workout drink. Celery contains coumarins, which have anticancer properties. Coumarin also help lower blood pressure and also help with migraines.

What Are the Benefits of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?

Everyone loves the taste of fresh garden vegetables and sweet orchard fruit. They can be enjoyed as a salad or by themselves. Because these delicious snacks are also very healthy, you should try to eat them with every meal.

Disease Prevention

Cancer

Cancer Research UK reports that eating a fresh apple or fresh orange each day cuts a person’s risk of cancer by up to 20 percent. For overall health, they recommend eating five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

Weight Control

Because they are naturally low in calories, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to maintain a healthy weight. The Centers for Disease Control recommends substituting higher calories foods such as eggs for fresh or steamed vegetables and fruits rather than cakes for dessert.

Convenience

Fresh fruits and vegetables travel well and are easy to pack in a lunch box for a quick on-the-go snack or to starve off mid-afternoon hunger pangs.

Fiber

Fresh fruits and vegetables contain lots of fiber. This helps to regulate the digestive system and cleanse the arteries from unwanted plaque buildup.

Teeth

Eating raw vegetables such as carrot or celery sticks or crunchy fruits such as apples helps to rid the teeth of excess plaque and exercises the gums. This leads to better dental health and prevention of gum disease.

Fill your cart and stock your shelves with nutrient-rich foods that can add years to your life. Start at the bottom (super important) and work your way to the top (very important) of Dr. Oz’s food pyramid. Note: Serving sizes should be about the size of your clenched fist, except for animal proteins, which should be about the size of a deck of cards.

Level 1: Vegetables, 4 servings a day

Jicama

Kale

Sweet Potatoes

Vegetables are the base of Dr. Oz’s food pyramid, and the most important tool in fighting every major killer in America: heart disease, hypertension and cancer. Jicama is a slightly sweet and crisp root vegetable that is high in potassium, which helps to reduce high blood pressure. Kale is high in flavonoids, which kills off cancer cells. Sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, which helps to build heart-healthy vitamin A within the body. Microwave or steam vegetables with as little water as possible to retain the maximum amount of nutrients.

Level 2: Whole Grains, 6 servings a day

Teff

Amaranth

Millet

Whole grains are the next level up. Whole grains are high in fiber and necessary to colon health. Teff,amaranth and millet are whole grains popular in other parts of the world but now widely available in the US. These whole grains are high in protein. One key to longevity is getting more of your protein from plants instead of animal sources. They are also high in calcium, which helps to strengthen bones, and omega-3 fats which are critical to brain health. Millet is also a great source of B-complex vitamins.

Level 3: Fruits, 3 cups a day

Mango

Dates

Apples*

Nearing the top of Dr. Oz’s food pyramid are fruits, which pack an anti-aging one-two punch. The flesh of fruit contains vitamins and minerals, and the skin is loaded with powerful anti-agers due to a higher concentration of nutrients. Mangoes help fight cancer and heart disease, and can attribute their beautiful color to beta carotene. As a result of the drying process, dried fruits like dates are high in antioxidants. They are also a great source of magnesium, which helps the body maintain normal muscle and nerve function, steady heart rhythm and strong bones; they are also good for blood pressure and blood sugar regulation.

* The old saying still stands true. An apple a day may be the ultimate longevity MVP, loaded with fiber, antioxidants, folate and vitamin E to fight Alzheimer’s; and a flavonoid called quercetin that protects the brain against the oxidative stress of daily life.

Level 4: Proteins, 3 servings a day

Trout

Tofu

Brazil nuts

Protein is an all-encompassing category that incudes meats, beans and nuts. Trout and tofu are high in omega-3 fats, which ensure normal brain function and lower the risk of dementia. Omega-3s are essential to brain health as they provide the building blocks for brain cell renewal. Brazil nuts contain selenium, an antioxidant that fights the free radical damage that can cause cancer.

Lastly, with the least amount of servings, is dairy, which is especially important for women. Dairy contains calcium and is fortified with vitamin D – Dr. Oz’s number-one recommended supplement – to strengthen bones and fight against the onset of osteoporosis.